Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis

This form as arthritis has been known as the king’s disease. More than 8 million Americans suffer from gout. It is usually seen in people that are overweight that have a poor diet. These overweight men with gout most likely have hypertension as well. Men usually develop it between the ages of 30-50 years of age. Women are more prone to gout after menopause. Gouty arthritis usually starts in one joint suddenly. The pain is cause by a deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint. The uric acid is a product of purines that are a part of many foods. The crystallization of these compounds in joints can cause attacks of arthritis, kidney stones, and blockage.

Cause

The gouty arthritis appears when we eat foods that contain an excess of purines. This overload of purines causes an overproduction of uric acid. The uric acid gets into the bloodstream. After the uric acid is in the bloodstream in goes into a joint. Most times affecting the big toe.

Symptoms

It usually attacks one joint at a time. Flare-ups last 10 days but the first 36 hours are the most painful. If it goes untreated it moves on to other joints in the body, foot, ankle, knee, hand or wrist. Sudden and severe pain in the joint usually occurs in the middle of the night or early morning. Tenderness of the joint can be detected by warmth to the touch. Stiffness in the joint restricts the movement of that joint. The uric acid can cause lumps to form on the affected joint called tophi. If it accumulates you can get kidney stones.

Treatment

Medications that lower uric acid are a common option for treatment. Gouty arthritis cannot be cured it can only be managed. Uric acid levels need to be monitored and maintained. The levels should be below 6 milligrams per deciliter. Corticosteroids are short term solutions for pain. But the simplest form of treatment is naturally to change the lifestyle. Consistent diet and exercise are great ways to counteract gout.

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